Northwest Region
Butler County
Lake Arthur
Channel Catfish are hard to beat this time of year at Lake Arthur. Fishing from boats has yielded the best results. Those anglers are using shiners off the bottom or slow trolling with plugs. The key is to fish in or along the old creek channels. Catches of lunker Largemouth Bass have also been reported, but anglers won’t say where or how they are catching them.
Kayakers and canoers on Slippery Rock Creek, Shenango River, Mahoning River, and Neshannock Creek are reminded to at least keep a life jacket on board. Better yet, wear it! Also, in order to use Pa. Fish and Boat Commission boat accesses, all boats must first have a boat registration, Use Permit, or DCNR Launch permit.
Erie County
Lake Erie
Most Yellow Perch are being caught straight out of Walnut Creek in anywhere from 48 ft. to 54 ft. You have to set a while because they seem to go in a circle. A lot of boaters aren’t even seeing them on their fish finders but as soon as they put out their anchor the fish start biting. Another spot is off the Camp Eriez campground in around 48 ft. of water. The Walleye fishing is still slow. Most boaters are going out deep for them. They are fishing in about 74 ft. of water. Also, the tip of the first trench trolling North and South was a good spot too. The lake temperature is falling fast. As of this writing it is 73 degrees.
Northeast Region
Western Bradford & Sullivan Counties
Anglers targeting catfish are still reporting very good success using live bait, especially when using hellgrammites. Imitation hellgrammites are working as well, when jigged. Keep in mind that hellgrammites fall under the baitfish regulation and therefore a possession limit of 50 is in place.
Southern Luzerne & Southern Columbia Counties
With the water level of the Susquehanna River dropping, fishing activity as well as pressure has really tapered off recently. Those anglers, who are having success, are finding it in the creek mouths and deeper holes.
Pressure on the local trout streams has been nearly non-existent, but Lily Lake and Francis E Walter Reservoir have been giving up some nice bass, as well as crappie. Small jigs and minnows seem to be the preferred baits.
With fall right around the corner, many are gearing up for hunting season. I would urge those not to overlook the excellent fishing opportunities this time of year presents, especially along the DHALO section of Nescopeck Creek.
Anglers are also reminded that Lily Lake and Lake Irena are scheduled to receive fall stockings of trout as well.
Lackawanna County
Recent hot spell has made the fishing a bit more difficult. Consider fishing early morning hours or closer to sunset for the best opportunities.
River levels are low including the Lackawanna River. With low water levels and warmer water temperatures trout get stressed easily when handled and “played”. Check water temperatures and their conditions when fishing the trout streams.
The road around Griffin Pond was recently grated and is in excellent condition, making access around the reservoir better. There’s currently an algae bloom on the reservoir.
Northcentral Region
Snyder County
Anglers caught a large number of Channel Catfish, ranging in size from 10-24 inches, near the Shady Nook access (Selinsgrove) of the Susquehanna River, while fishing with nightcrawlers. Some Flathead Catfish were also caught, including two first-ever catches by the father-son team of Todd and Nate Sanders. (Thanks for sharing your Fish Story with us!)
Elk County
The main boat launch at the East Branch Dam is still open and available through the Labor Day weekend. The tentative date to close is September 13th. As a reminder, operators of all boats under 16 feet in length, and ALL canoe and kayak operators, must wear a PFD while on the Dam.
Centre County
(Photo provided by Bill Savage)
Bald Eagle Creek
Anglers are catching trout using streamers and a variety of nymphs. The nymph of choice is a bead head walt’s worm and rainbow warrior. The rainbow trout being caught have beautiful coloration and fight hard! Fish are rising to slate drakes and caddis in the late evening hours.
With current water flows on the creek, kayakers are enjoying trips down Bald Eagle as well!
Clinton County
Fishing Creek
Anglers are catching trout on bead head green weenies. The water levels are low, but still at good temperatures with the cool evenings lately. When approaching “prime” fishing areas be stealthy and fish from a distance. Target the shade lines, deeper holes and when possible get your nymphs to the bottom. The trout seem to be holding tight to the bottom of the stream.
Spring Creek
Anglers are catching trout using small streamers in the morning and a variety of nymphs throughout the day. Beadhead walt’s worms, scuds, prince nymphs and zebra midges are working well. Early morning and late evening are the best times to be on the water this time of year. If you are out during mid-day with high sun, try targeting the shade lines and deeper holes with undercut banks when possible.
Tioga/Lycoming County
Pine Creek
With water levels staying fairly stable and temperatures in the mid-60s Pine Creek fishing is on fire!! Anglers are catching trout on a variety of flies (e.g. Slate drakes, yellow sallys, yellow cahills, Blue wing olives, stoneflies and yellow midges). Rusty spinners are working well too! Try a dry-dropper set-up. Place a nymph (dropper) below your dry fly (e.g. Length below dry fly = about 1 ½ times the depth of the water you are fishing). Use a yellow emerger under your dry fly and see what happens.
Southeastern Region
E. Berks County/N. Montgomery County
Anglers on the Schuylkill River are landing nice catfish. With the weather getting cooler in the evenings, it’s a great time of year to get out at night and enjoy some great fishing for catfish. Just downstream of the Black Rock Dam is a great place to fish from the shore. Montgomery County Parks maintain the Canal Park on the Mont Clare side of the Schuylkill River. This park offers ample parking and is open all evening to anglers. All Montgomery Parks Dept. rules apply at this location. A sign board is in place listing all the local rules, which include No Open Fires & No Alcohol on Park Property.
E. Philadelphia/S. Bucks County
Upcoming Fall Trout Stockings include October 7at Pennypack Creek in Philadelphia and October 6 at Levittown Lake in Bucks Co. If interested in assisting with the Pennypack Stocking, please meet at 8600 Pine Rd (Parking Lot) at 12:45pm. There will also be a fall stocking at Lake Luxembourg on October 17. Please come out and enjoy the fishing in these areas!
Statewide
Reminder: Extended Trout Season goes into effect after Labor Day. Please make sure that you understand the regulations before going out!